CLEARWATER, Florida -- Police canvas the streets, going door to door with a flyer and a warning that someone murdered a young man in cold blood.

Jason Paul, 22, was stabbed to death just after midnight near Crest Lake Park in Clearwater and left for dead. Tonight, Paul's parents stood before news cameras targeting the person who did it.

"This coward who would leave a man to die in the dark must be caught. We are pleading for information to get this person. [It] would be very helpful, and we thank you for anything you can do," said Paul's mother, Renee Langfritz.

The murder shocked residents in the quiet neighborhood, which borders the rough East Gateway area, and police believe the answer to the crime may lie there.

"Additionally, if they notice anything suspicious like sharp objects, knives in the yard, a Crimestoppers flyer is out seeking information, " said a detective on the case.

Paul had one prior misdemeanor charge for simple battery, but beyond that was never in trouble. He had a docile personality, his parents say, and the reason for his murder is inexplicable.

"Jason loved his job at Tiger Direct, loved his work, his dog. He loved to play here with Marley, his dog, in the dog park ... just kinda kept to himself," said John Langfritz, the victim's father.

"He was just a wonderful young man, just starting vet tech school ... this was just extremely senseless," said Paul's mom.